Ny Rocking Chair

This folding rocking chair and ottoman is something to seriously consider. It looks pretty good for something so easily transportable/compactible.

Takeshi Nii designed the Ny Rocking Chair and Ottoman in 1958, after he was inspired by an ad for a director’s chair in an archival magazine from the 1930s. Using the same basic structure – a simple folding frame wrapped with durable canvas – he designed Ny to be a lounge chair. Ny, which is pronounced nee and is the Danish word for “new,” remains an innovative concept in folding chairs 50 years after its introduction. At only 14.5 lbs, the Ny folds into a compact 5.5″ form that can stand on its own discreetly in the corner, or be easily picked up and moved wherever an extra lounge chair needed. Said Nii of the design, “I wanted to produce a chair where one can just sit and relax after eating a nice meal.” The Ny Rocking Chair is included in the permanent collection at MoMA.

Tosca Chairs by Magis

This all around indoor/outdoor/stackable chair would tough it out in harsher (i.e. high traffic) areas, but keep in mind there’s a minimum order of 4.

“Tosca by Magis is a new stacking chair with arms finished in glossy or polyamide. Tosca is suitable for outdoor and indoor use and can be used for many contract projects. Tosca can stacks nine units high and is ideal for small spaces. Designed by Richard Sapper, 2007″

Leaf Series, Outdoor Collection

“The LEAF SERIES designed as a synthesis of organic and ergonomic form is available as a chair, lounge chair or chaise lounge. The structure whether polished chrome or outdoor resistant painted steel in green, white or mocha gives the LEAF SERIES a clean modern form that is at once graphic, organic and very comfortable.”

Structure in epoxy coated painted frame in white, green or mocha. Optional polyurethane seat cushion or leather seat pads available in three colors.

Non, Rubber Chair by Komplot Design

If the comfort and credential of being in the permanent collection of the MoMA isn’t enough, I’m sure that the fact you can turn over this chair and show the credits to your friends will make the price tag a bit easier to swallow (at least in theory, right?).

‘Non has won numerous design awards and is featured in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Straight and simple in design, the stacking chair is comfortable thanks to the rubber it’s made of and the “built-in spring bands”. The underside of the chair features interesting molded rubber movie-style credits.
The chairs be stacked together to save space. NON can be used both indoors and outdoors. The pieces are completely waterproof and can be left outdoors permanently.’

Round Collection – Lounge Chair 469

The metal mesh used for the body of this chair is so visually light it almost appears to be made from fabric netting. It’s almost a shame to categorize it as an outdoor piece (‘almost’ because I’m not complaining).

“The Round Collection designed by Christope Pillet is both simple and elegant with a flowing design sure to have timeless appeal. The Lounge Chair features a steel frame with a seat made of pre-galvanised metal sheet. All Emu products from the Advanced Collection come with a 5 year warranty.”

Tepee (from DWR)

A Tepee? Really?…Uh, okay, I guess if you’ve got the money, why not have the perfect space to get away and be by yourself, or take your friends/family and tell stories or something?

“For adventurers of all ages, the classic Tepee (2008) is a simple solution for spending time outdoors with minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. This one was crafted for DWR Tools for Living by Dave Ellis…We chose his work because of his quality materials and construction that provides proper ventilation, flame resistance and reinforced stress points. What’s also unique about this design is the sewn-in floor liner that allows proper air flow, while ensuring that nothing accidentally leaves or enters the Tepee…The exterior canvas is tightly woven, preshrunk 100% cotton Army Duck that’s finished with a Sunforger baked-in process to make the canvas mildew resistant and water repellent. Campfire songs and ghost stories not included.”

Toy Armchair

Not such a bad price for an indoor/outdoor chair- I especially like the block-like angles.

“Inspired by the aesthetic of comics from the 1940s, Philippe Starck’s Toy Armchair (1999) strikes a balance between work and play, sophistication and childlike fantasy. Molded of a single piece of polypropylene, the Armchair is suitable indoors or out, for dining and lounge areas. Stackable up to 14 high for convenient storage, the Toy Armchair has a drainage hole to avoid seat puddles in rainy weather. Made in Italy.”

Zen Garden, Roof and Deck Bench

This bench is something worth taking a look at. The low profile and interesting silhouette amount to an altogether unique outdoor seating solution.

“Each bench is made from furniture grade kiln dried Western Red Cedar. All fixtures are stainless steel and are tucked away on the back and inside. The main joints are all put together using dado cuts. While this makes the manufacturing more complex, it greatly increases its strength…The bench is shipped in a flat box through UPS right to your door. It arrives in five pieces, along with easy to follow assembly instructions, tools and hardware. About ten minutes are all it takes to put it together.”

70″l x 24.5″h x 29″w, seat height: 10″

Update: This item looks like it is no longer available through the designer, though you might want to email to check. (11/19/09)